--- title: Why Crete should be your top bucket list destination for 2021 description: Crete vacations image: https://blog.travel12.gr/hubfs/chania%20town%20street.jpg --- [![espa banner](https://blog.travel12.gr/hubfs/espa-files/e-banner-ATT100-1.jpg) ](https://blog.travel12.gr/hubfs/espa-files/ATT124_PRODIAGRAFES_SITE_DIKAIOUXOU.pdf) # Why Crete should be your top bucket list destination for 2021 As the winter starts to slowly fade, we all start dreaming of warmer, sunny days, spring breaks and summer escapes. I'm pretty sure Greece is on your bucket list but we have put together a few reasons why [Crete ](https://www.travel12.gr/crete)should top the entire list! ##### The natural beauty Crete is the largest island of Greece. It's ideal for road tripping and village hopping. Nature lovers will fall for the mountains, the upland villages, the flora, the kri-kri goats running free, the ever-changing landscapes and let's not forget [Samari](http://travel12activities.travelotopos.com/s/32/22)a[ gorge!](http://travel12activities.travelotopos.com/s/32/22) Pack your training shoes, this gorge was made for hiking! ##### The beaches ![ELAFONISSI-BEACHBALOS-BEACH-CRETE-GREECE](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/ELAFONISSI-BEACHBALOS-BEACH-CRETE-GREECE.jpg?width=900&name=ELAFONISSI-BEACHBALOS-BEACH-CRETE-GREECE.jpg) Beach bums will go nuts over the fascinating beaches, the sandy landscape and the crystal clear waters. Crete is the home of some of the beaches you see every year in compilations of the best beaches of the world. **Balos, Gramvoussa, Seitan Limani, Kiani Beach** and many more await! ![GREECE-CRETE-CHANIA-SEITAN-LIMANIA](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/GREECE-CRETE-CHANIA-SEITAN-LIMANIA.jpg?width=900&name=GREECE-CRETE-CHANIA-SEITAN-LIMANIA.jpg) ##### The food Did you know that **UNESCO** endorsed the Mediterranean diet as Intangible Cultural Heritage? Well, now you know! Cretan gastronomy is the essence of the Mediterranean diet, filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and beneficial fatty fish oils. This year, choose to do good to yourself. ![grilled-sardines-with-sauvignon-blanc-816](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/grilled-sardines-with-sauvignon-blanc-816.jpg?width=816&name=grilled-sardines-with-sauvignon-blanc-816.jpg) ##### The wine and the vine ![Sustainable-Fruit-Farming.-e1523107845684](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/Sustainable-Fruit-Farming.-e1523107845684.jpg?width=600&name=Sustainable-Fruit-Farming.-e1523107845684.jpg) If you like to celebrate your holidays with a good glass of wine in hand, then Crete will definitely satisfy your palette. Look for native varieties like Vidiano and Kotsifali or go one step further and seek them at the source with winery visits and proper wine tastings. ##### The culture Cretan culture is world-known. The island oozes authenticity and tradition, you can always spot the genuine Cretan dressing elements, watch how Cretan knives are engraved, experience a dancing feast and listen to the amazing rhyming couplets called "mantinades" the locals make up. An that's only to name a few! ##### The history Cretan civilization is awe-inspiring. When you visit Knossos and the ancient **city of Aptera** you will be fascinated by how old this civilization is - one of the oldest in the entire Europe - and those ancient ruins will definitely leave you amazed. The **Old Town of Chania** with its Ottoman splendor blended with Venetian elements will entice you with its charm. ![mosque-of-janissaries-chania-crete-pixabay-1700592_1280](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/mosque-of-janissaries-chania-crete-pixabay-1700592_1280.jpg?width=900&name=mosque-of-janissaries-chania-crete-pixabay-1700592_1280.jpg) ##### The hospitality Cretans take their hospitality exactly like their tsikoudia; seriously. They are welcoming and hearty and they will always treat to you to a glass of tsikoudia to extend their hospitality. In no time you will feel like you belong there. Don't act surprised when you see many non-Greeks who chose to retire in [Crete](https://www.travel12.gr/crete). That's exactly the reason! ##### The kids-friendly attitude ![beach-child-sticker-1](https://blog.travel12.gr/hs-fs/hubfs/beach-child-sticker-1.png?width=900&name=beach-child-sticker-1.png) Crete ranks high as a children-friendly destination in Greece. Hotels, like **Kiani Beach Resort** are oriented towards addressing the needs of those with families and our little friends fell in love with the island and go home with the best of memories. ##### The nightlife Night owls also have their way around Crete. The island is brimming with life, it's full of hip bars and restaurants. Seek tsikoudia-based cocktails infused with Cretan herbs. They are insanely delicious! You are on vacation after all you deserve some fun! Let us know how we can turn your [Crete ](https://www.travel12.gr/crete)vacation into the experience of a lifetime! Give us a shout or leave us a comment!   ### Read On [ #### 20 unique things to do in Greece READ MORE ](https://blog.travel12.gr/20-unique-things-to-do-in-greece) [ #### The black book series: The best brunch in Athens READ MORE ](https://blog.travel12.gr/the-black-book-series-the-best-brunch-in-athens) [ #### 8 Tips for traveling in Greece READ MORE ](https://blog.travel12.gr/8-tips-for-traveling-in-greece) ### SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Travel ideas & local insights that will keep you always up to date. copyright © 2020 travel12 | traveling experiences all rights reserved - [terms and conditions](https://blog.travel12.gr/terms-and-conditions) - [privacy policy](https://blog.travel12.gr/privacy-policy) - ministry of tourism licence number: 0206E60000594201